Autumn Brew Review 2013 First Look

The old Grain Belt brewery will once again play host to one of the top annual craft beer festivals (sold out) this Saturday from 1 PM to 5 PM. There are plenty of things to be excited about including musical entertainment, food trucks, beer education, and of course beer.

The Jack Brass Band will be performing as will the Southside Aces and we will again witness the Traditional Bagpipe Opener. At this point it seems to be a right of passage.

Highlighting the food trucks are Natedogs, Ngon Bistro, World Street Kitchen, Stanley’s, Foxy Falafel, Gastro Truck and more. For those of you who have not tried something from World Street Kitchen you really ought to try either the Red Curry Burrito or the Lamb Belly Tacos—both of which will be served on Saturday.

Beer Education will feature an Identifying Off Flavor Beers by Michael Agnew from a Perfect Pint, From Wort to Wonder, The Magic of Homebrewing by Northern Brewer, and A Blind Tasting Sensory Experience by Better Beer Society. All of the above instructors certainly have the credentials and experience to make all of these worthwhile.

The best part of course is going to be the beer. Here are just some of the many beers this writer is excited about:

Lunker Barleywine 2011 from Steel Toe Brewing- This one has been aging in Templeton Rye whiskey barrels and is sure to be heavy.

Ovila Abbey Saison Collaboration from Sierra Nevada Brewing- This one looks interesting, mandarin oranges and peppercorns in a Farmhouse Ale brewed by one of the best breweries in the country.

Black Forest Ale from Excelsior Brewing- A dry Black Ale infused with cherry. The interesting part is that it’s not supposed to be all that roasty.

Ghostface Fatha from Bent Brewstillery- A brand new brewery/distillery from Roseville is bringing this American Emperial Stout which is light in body and infused with ghost peppers. Midwestern palates be warned!

Lavender ESB from NorthGate Brewing- This Bitter style brew is apparently dry hopped with lavender. Sometimes lavender can be a bit overwhelming and perfume heavy in a beer but when done right it can be rewarding. We’ll have to see with this one.

Can Morning Wood from Big Wood Brewing win best beer for a third straight year? You will have to be here to find out. For more on this event check out the MN Brewers Guild site here.

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Ryan Tuenge is an avid home brewer and craft beer lover who
is not afraid to spend his last $5 on a pint of beer at the local pub.
As a member of the Minnesota Home Brewers Association, Ryan has tried a wide variety of beers and has toured many of the local breweries. He also has a blog about craft beer in Minnesota. He likes to read, write and travel with his wife. Follow him on Twitter @lodgefather.